The Future of Heavyweight: Epic Fights on the Horizon
The heavyweight division is undergoing a transformation. With champions and former champions nearing retirement, the key question is: who will be the protagonists of the most important fights in the near future? Alofoke Deportes analyzes the matchups that could define the course of the category in the coming years.
Some prominent names are still looking for a title opportunity or a big purse. The fight between WBO interim champion Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley in London could be decisive. The winner will position themselves for a title fight in 2026 against the undisputed champion, Oleksandr Usyk.
Since Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, became an influential figure in boxing, the matchups that fans want to see are no longer just fantasies, but a reality driven by the attractive purses on offer.
Usyk, who holds the four titles (WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO), has a series of exciting fights ahead. Alofoke Deportes presents some of the most promising matchups that could materialize by 2026.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Joseph Parker
Let’s start with the king. Usyk, 38 years old, recently knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, solidifying himself as the undisputed champion. Parker, 33 years old and former WBO champion, is in excellent form and is the mandatory WBO challenger. After a prolonged wait, Parker could be Usyk’s first opponent in 2026. The fight against Wardley could be key to defining the future of both.
Could Parker, with his intelligent boxing demonstrated in his victories over Deontay Wilder (2023) and Zhilei Zhang (2024), make life difficult for Usyk? Usyk, with his skill and movement, starts as the favorite. If Wardley, with little amateur experience, surprises Parker, could he be the next surprise rival for Usyk?
Whether it’s Parker or Wardley next, seeing Usyk is a must-see event.
Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua
Although a third fight between Usyk and Fury is possible, the match that generates the most expectation and could generate the highest income is Fury against Joshua. This confrontation, which has been in development for five years, could still materialize in 2026. However, uncertainty persists, especially if Fury decides to fight Usyk first and then retire.
Several attempts to finalize the fight between Fury and Joshua have failed since 2020. Frank Warren, Fury’s promoter, indicated that Fury plans to return next year, although Fury hasn’t fought since Usyk defeated him in December.
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, has revealed that Joshua, 36 years old, wants the fight with Fury, but many factors must align for it to happen. Heavyweight boxing is unpredictable, and in the best-case scenario, Fury and Joshua will face each other soon.
Deontay Wilder vs. Francis Ngannou
Wilder vs. Ngannou would be a very entertaining spectacle for boxing and mixed martial arts fans. Both are far from the title contention, but their power still generates excitement. There would be big hits, excitement, and surprises in this fight. Both have expressed their desire to face each other on social media.
Ngannou suffered a painful knockout defeat in the second round against Joshua in March 2024. Wilder, former WBC world champion, underperformed in his technical knockout loss to Zhilei Zhang last year, but secured a knockout victory in his last fight against Tyrrell Herndon in June.
Wilder and Ngannou are big punchers, and many fans would tune in to see who lands the knockout, as this fight would likely not go to the scorecards.
Anthony Joshua vs. Martin Bakole
After returning from elbow surgery and not having fought since his defeat to Dubois in September 2024, Hearn suggests that Joshua could face another opponent before Fury early next year. Bakole has been linked to a fight with Joshua in Nigeria. Joshua, with Nigerian ancestry, could be drawn to the experience of fighting in Africa.
Bakole, 33, seems like a good opponent for Joshua to prepare for a big fight in 2026 with a spectacular victory. Parker defeated Bakole in two rounds in February, although Bakole was a last-minute substitute. Bakole also drew with Efe Ajagba in May.
Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic
Itauma, one of the most exciting heavyweights, has a fight scheduled for December 13th, but is still looking for an opponent. Usyk ruled out fighting Itauma before retiring, and Kubrat Pulev, the WBA’s “regular” heavyweight champion, chose to face Murat Gassiev on December 12th.
Hrgovic would be an excellent challenge for Itauma, 20, who achieved his eighth knockout in the first round earlier this year. We have yet to see Itauma seriously tested, and perhaps Hrgovic’s experience, movement, and boxing will provide that test.
Dillian Whyte was destroyed by Itauma in August, and the young contender could experience longer fights where he is tested.
Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Daniel Dubois
Jalolov, a double Olympic gold medalist for Uzbekistan, is another contender who could rise to the top of the heavyweight division following the departure of Usyk, Joshua, and Fury. Jalolov, 31, needs a big win to break into the top five. A fight against Dubois could boost his profile.
It’s a high-stakes encounter for both: Jalolov is undefeated, while Dubois is coming off a knockout loss to Usyk and can’t afford another setback. Dubois might be tempted by the opportunity to bounce back against another contender.
This matchup has the potential to be an exciting fight between two great punchers.
